Creative writing allows one to prove to the world the extent of your imagination. This project, focused on conversations in Genesis that never happened, gave every single one of us a chance to share our point of view on a specific scene of our choosing. Although with a serious grade, these dialogues are lightheartedly written, conveying two separate personality traits for each of the two main characters. We then analyzed a character from our dialogue with a third-person perspective as well as analyzing our protagonist and antagonist with the supports of quotations from Genesis and an artwork found online. On this page, you will also find background information on the artist of the paintings, my self-reflection, and other miscellaneous components that I hope you will enjoy.
The following recording, featuring the voices of my mother and me, shows the dialogue between Jacob and Rachel when they meet at the well in the my interpretation.
Dialogue
Passion: The Ultimate Convincing Factor
Narrator:Spying the beautiful Rachel, Jacob makes it his goal to woo her successfully, securing her as a wife. With no previous experience, he prays for success as he starts his endeavor. In an attempt to make her notice him, Jacob leans casually against the stone covering the well's mouth.
Rachel: Oh hey check it out. There's some stranger leaning on the stone covering the well. Hope he knows...
... that the stone moves easily... falling
Oops. Guess not.
Jacob: Damn. So much for a good first impression, but oh well... hey!
Rachel: What do you want?
Jacob: A chance to see your face baby girl.
Rachel: You’re just another clueless guy. Your words do nothing. You're a complete stranger. You can't expect anything from me.
Jacob: Your eyes are like stars. Your beautiful hair cascades down your shoulders: the epitome of elegance.
Rachel: slapMen like you disgust me. You all believe that merely sweet talking us means success in your endeavors.
Jacob: What else really matters? Well, I mean, I've got the looks, the personality, the whole package. What else could you want?
Rachel: Your entire being exemplifies why us women shy away from egotistic men like you.
Jacob: Well then, Ms. I'm So Amazing, you tell me what to do.
Rachel: Have you ever heard of the phrase, "Actions speak louder than words?"
Jacob: Well duh. I'll prove it to you. Lemme help you with your sheep.
Rachel: HEY. Get your filthy hands off my flock. I don’t need assistance from someone like YOU. They’re my sheep. No one touches my sheep but me.
Jacob: You hypocrite. You wanted help, I tried, and the strange possessiveness you have over your sheep got in the way. A beautiful girl like you should not be working so hard; you should have strong able men like me help you. Just your immense beauty can persuade us to come to your assistance.
Rachel: Well, what do you know? Surprisingly, the man has a point. Actions speak louder than words. You caught me off guard, and thanks, I guess, but my dad tells me I shouldn't talk to strangers.
Jacob: Well technically…
Rachel: What?
Jacob: Never mind. You need to fall in love with me before I tell you.
Rachel: Well I guess I’ll never know then. Fat chance I'd ever fall in love with a pig like you.
Jacob: Okay I know this makes me sound like a creeper, but I love you. I’ve loved you since the first moment I’ve laid eyes on you. You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, and that’s saying something. Your harshness and hesitation brings a cuteness about you.
Rachel: dream sequence Oh God, he's good. Really good. I'm almost beginning to believe him. But no, I can't! That just goes against everything I have been going against him for. I must not show weakness. But, my God, everything just seems like such a fairytale! Maybe... fairy tale endings do exist. I shouldn't believe in nonsense like that, but I might as well give it a try... end dream sequence Well… Perhaps, if we get to know each other, we won’t be strangers to each other anymore.
Jacob: I’m telling you. Fall in love with me. I promise you won’t regret it. Don’t judge a book by its cover. I’m really not that bad. I’m willing to go the end of the world for you.
Rachel: You know… My father would have to meet you before anything happened.
Jacob: Before anything happened… So you’re saying you love me!
Rachel: You egotistic, self-centered... Pig! Don’t read into my words I said nothing of the sort.
Jacob: That stupid little smile on your face gives it all away. You’re in love with me, admitting it will make it easier.
Rachel: We just met, and I don't know you. How do I know I can trust you? How can I believe your words? You’ve done nothing to prove to me that you deserve my trust and love.
Jacob: But now I'm positive of your love, and I can tell you. I am your dad's nephew, your Aunt Rebekah’s son. But…actions speak louder than words right? Nothing like true love’s first kiss. kiss
Rachel: [breathless] Maybe I do love you...
Come, let’s go meet my father. running
Father! Father! It’s Jacob, Aunt Rebekah’s son!
Laban: She produced this shmuck? Oh dear.
Script Analysis
Jacob:
In the dialogue written by Audrey Xu, many of Jacob’s emotions and personality traits are portrayed; however, the two most dominant traits are revealed to be passionate and persevering. Although Rachel rejects him numerous times for acting too upfront, Jacob continues to attempt to woo her, allowing “Ms. I'm So Amazing [to] tell [him] what to do” (Xu 15) in order to gain favor. The fact that Jacob shows humility and allows himself to be guided demonstrates his willingness and perseverance in order to gain Rachel’s favor. His previous attempts failed to succeed, so through his perseverant nature, Jacob changes himself to achieve his goal. Throughout the dialogue, Jacob’s perseverant tone also has touches of passion. This feeling is portrayed more evidently when Rachel displays her aversion to Jacob plainly. However, Jacob, passionate as ever, informs Rachel that he has “loved [her] since the first moment [he] laid eyes on [her]” (Xu 27). Today, such deep feelings after a mere two-minute conversation are considered absurd, but obviously not to Rachel. With such meaningful words, Jacob openly expresses his feelings, thus beginning the journey to secure Rachel’s heart. His personality trait of passion can be seen obviously from the emotional words he utilizes, such as “love,” which society views as the highest form of affection. Over the entire dialogue, Jacob successfully wins Rachel’s heart through a combination of perseverance and passion, making for a happy ending for the both of them.
Character Analyses
Jacob:
====Although Jacob’s persevering nature motivates him to get what he wants, his passionate and loving nature ultimately drives him to achieve his desires in being loved by another in return. After Jacob receives Leah in exchange for seven years of toiling work, due to Laban’s trickery, he agrees to seven more years in exchange for Rachel and exclaims, “‘I served you for fourteen years for your two daughters… you have changed my wages ten times’” (Gen. 31.41). Jacob’s continuous labor throughout the “change” Laban puts him through suggests his perseverance and willingness to endure hard times in order to get what he wants. Jacob's motivated personality also comes in handy when he tricks Laban, determined to receive his fair share of the flock because of the effort he put into it as well as needing to make a fast escape. A man can go a long way by striving for goals, but love and passion conquer all in the field of romance. ----
The Meeting of Jacob and Rachel, painted by William Dyce, is arranged with Jacob beneath Rachel, forcing him to look up. William Dyce has Jacob stare into the depths of Rachel’s eyes and clasp her hand to his heart, positioning him this way in order to convey his passion and willingness to go to the end of the world for her. Jacob’s immense love for his second wife keeps Benjamin safe and alive despite the dangerous journey all of the brothers must take to Egypt in order to maintain survival. Although Jacob succeeds in his endeavors with both his perseverance and passion, wooing Rachel with his passion gives him a lifelong companion and friend, the most important thing in a lifetime.====
Rachel:
Despite Rachel’s reluctant nature at first appearance, she takes a possessive
stance when the situation concerns something important to her. William Dyce’s painting The Meeting of Jacob and Rachel places Rachel leaning away and distancing herself from Jacob. By leaning back and refusing to look into Jacob’s eyes, Rachel suggests her reluctance to acknowledge his love and discover something alien and enticing about herself and their relationship. Her character has not yet developed fully due to her young age and inexperience.
However, years later when Jacob is rightfully her husband, a new personality replaces reluctance. Leah, so desperate to spend time with Jacob, who is also her husband, agrees when Rachel presents a trade saying that “‘[Jacob] may lie with you tonight for you son’s mandrakes’” (Gen. 30.15). The redactor’s use of the modal auxiliary “may” suggests Rachel’s possession of Jacob, as she gives Leah formal permission to lie with him, although both women are his wives. The greater amount of love Jacob has for Rachel plays a factor in this, as well as her possessive personality to keep Jacob for herself because of her love for him. Do not let first appearances deceive; one must actually open the book to discover what lies inside.
Artistry
William Dyce was born on September 19, 1806, in Aberdeen, Scotland. He was presented with the opportunity to study at the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh as well as the Royal Academy School in London. To support himself financially, Dyce painted portraits, later changing subjects and switching to religious subjects. Many of his most well known pieces focus on subjects with Biblical references.
The Meeting of Jacob and Rachel was painted using a medium of oil on canvas. Dyce finished this painting in 1853, about ten years before his death. The subject of the painting and emotions of the characters, are depicted clearly; Jacob and Rachel have just met at the well, and obvious chemistry exists between them. Unfortunately, William Dyce died February 14, 1864 (Valentine’s Day).
Staying consistent with other projects assigned throughout the year, my weaknesses in this project consist of mainly writing skills. Although I have managed to display improvement in my writing abilities, a year in English I has passed and my close analysis skills are still not at the level I truly desire. However, the project also contains some aspects that I am proud of. For the first time ever of writing dialogue, I think I produced a decent piece. Personality traits could be detected, and even though plot was not clear at first, I fixed it up and can now express satisfaction with the results. My main obstacle, recording the dialogue, stood in my way mainly because I procrastinated extensively and almost could not find a partner. Thankfully, my mom generously donated her voice to my cause, and smooth sailing ensued from there. Through this experience, I unfortunately learned that procrastination does not assist in either quality or productivity of the project, but I did learn that if I put my mind to it and set a certain goal, I would always succeed. This mantra has been my mentality throughout this project; although extremely enjoyable and contrasting from other assignments this year in English class, after a while it just seemed to trudge on. However, I am overall proud of my work on this project and I hope the effort shows. :)
Meeting at the Well
===
Creative writing allows one to prove to the world the extent of your imagination. This project, focused on conversations in Genesis that never happened, gave every single one of us a chance to share our point of view on a specific scene of our choosing. Although with a serious grade, these dialogues are lightheartedly written, conveying two separate personality traits for each of the two main characters. We then analyzed a character from our dialogue with a third-person perspective as well as analyzing our protagonist and antagonist with the supports of quotations from Genesis and an artwork found online. On this page, you will also find background information on the artist of the paintings, my self-reflection, and other miscellaneous components that I hope you will enjoy.
The following recording, featuring the voices of my mother and me, shows the dialogue between Jacob and Rachel when they meet at the well in the my interpretation.
Dialogue
Passion: The Ultimate Convincing Factor
Narrator: Spying the beautiful Rachel, Jacob makes it his goal to woo her successfully, securing her as a wife. With no previous experience, he prays for success as he starts his endeavor. In an attempt to make her notice him, Jacob leans casually against the stone covering the well's mouth.
Rachel: Oh hey check it out. There's some stranger leaning on the stone covering the well. Hope he knows...
... that the stone moves easily...
falling
Oops. Guess not.
Jacob: Damn. So much for a good first impression, but oh well... hey!
Rachel: What do you want?
Jacob: A chance to see your face baby girl.
Rachel: You’re just another clueless guy. Your words do nothing. You're a complete stranger. You can't expect anything from me.
Jacob: Your eyes are like stars. Your beautiful hair cascades down your shoulders: the epitome of elegance.
Rachel: slap Men like you disgust me. You all believe that merely sweet talking us means success in your endeavors.
Jacob: What else really matters? Well, I mean, I've got the looks, the personality, the whole package. What else could you want?
Rachel: Your entire being exemplifies why us women shy away from egotistic men like you.
Jacob: Well then, Ms. I'm So Amazing, you tell me what to do.
Rachel: Have you ever heard of the phrase, "Actions speak louder than words?"
Jacob: Well duh. I'll prove it to you. Lemme help you with your sheep.
Rachel: HEY. Get your filthy hands off my flock. I don’t need assistance from someone like YOU. They’re my sheep. No one touches my sheep but me.
Jacob: You hypocrite. You wanted help, I tried, and the strange possessiveness you have over your sheep got in the way. A beautiful girl like you should not be working so hard; you should have strong able men like me help you. Just your immense beauty can persuade us to come to your assistance.
Rachel: Well, what do you know? Surprisingly, the man has a point. Actions speak louder than words. You caught me off guard, and thanks, I guess, but my dad tells me I shouldn't talk to strangers.
Jacob: Well technically…
Rachel: What?
Jacob: Never mind. You need to fall in love with me before I tell you.
Rachel: Well I guess I’ll never know then. Fat chance I'd ever fall in love with a pig like you.
Jacob: Okay I know this makes me sound like a creeper, but I love you. I’ve loved you since the first moment I’ve laid eyes on you. You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, and that’s saying something. Your harshness and hesitation brings a cuteness about you.
Rachel: dream sequence
Oh God, he's good. Really good. I'm almost beginning to believe him. But no, I can't! That just goes against everything I have been going against him for. I must not show weakness. But, my God, everything just seems like such a fairytale! Maybe... fairy tale endings do exist. I shouldn't believe in nonsense like that, but I might as well give it a try...
end dream sequence
Well… Perhaps, if we get to know each other, we won’t be strangers to each other anymore.
Jacob: I’m telling you. Fall in love with me. I promise you won’t regret it. Don’t judge a book by its cover. I’m really not that bad. I’m willing to go the end of the world for you.
Rachel: You know… My father would have to meet you before anything happened.
Jacob: Before anything happened… So you’re saying you love me!
Rachel: You egotistic, self-centered... Pig! Don’t read into my words I said nothing of the sort.
Jacob: That stupid little smile on your face gives it all away. You’re in love with me, admitting it will make it easier.
Rachel: We just met, and I don't know you. How do I know I can trust you? How can I believe your words? You’ve done nothing to prove to me that you deserve my trust and love.
Jacob: But now I'm positive of your love, and I can tell you. I am your dad's nephew, your Aunt Rebekah’s son. But…actions speak louder than words right? Nothing like true love’s first kiss.
kiss
Rachel: [breathless] Maybe I do love you...
Come, let’s go meet my father.
running
Father! Father! It’s Jacob, Aunt Rebekah’s son!
Laban: She produced this shmuck? Oh dear.
Script Analysis
Jacob:
In the dialogue written by Audrey Xu, many of Jacob’s emotions and personality traits are portrayed; however, the two most dominant traits are revealed to be passionate and persevering. Although Rachel rejects him numerous times for acting too upfront, Jacob continues to attempt to woo her, allowing “Ms. I'm So Amazing [to] tell [him] what to do” (Xu 15) in order to gain favor. The fact that Jacob shows humility and allows himself to be guided demonstrates his willingness and perseverance in order to gain Rachel’s favor. His previous attempts failed to succeed, so through his perseverant nature, Jacob changes himself to achieve his goal. Throughout the dialogue, Jacob’s perseverant tone also has touches of passion. This feeling is portrayed more evidently when Rachel displays her aversion to Jacob plainly. However, Jacob, passionate as ever, informs Rachel that he has “loved [her] since the first moment [he] laid eyes on [her]” (Xu 27). Today, such deep feelings after a mere two-minute conversation are considered absurd, but obviously not to Rachel. With such meaningful words, Jacob openly expresses his feelings, thus beginning the journey to secure Rachel’s heart. His personality trait of passion can be seen obviously from the emotional words he utilizes, such as “love,” which society views as the highest form of affection. Over the entire dialogue, Jacob successfully wins Rachel’s heart through a combination of perseverance and passion, making for a happy ending for the both of them.
Character Analyses
Jacob:
====Although Jacob’s persevering nature motivates him to get what he wants, his passionate and loving nature ultimately drives him to achieve his desires in being loved by another in return. After Jacob receives Leah in exchange for seven years of toiling work, due to Laban’s trickery, he agrees to seven more years in exchange for Rachel and exclaims, “‘I served you for fourteen years for your two daughters… you have changed my wages ten times’” (Gen. 31.41). Jacob’s continuous labor throughout the “change” Laban puts him through suggests his perseverance and willingness to endure hard times in order to get what he wants. Jacob's motivated personality also comes in handy when he tricks Laban, determined to receive his fair share of the flock because of the effort he put into it as well as needing to make a fast escape. A man can go a long way by striving for goals, but love and passion conquer all in the field of romance. ----The Meeting of Jacob and Rachel, painted by William Dyce, is arranged with Jacob beneath Rachel, forcing him to look up. William Dyce has Jacob stare into the depths of Rachel’s eyes and clasp her hand to his heart, positioning him this way in order to convey his passion and willingness to go to the end of the world for her. Jacob’s immense love for his second wife keeps Benjamin safe and alive despite the dangerous journey all of the brothers must take to Egypt in order to maintain survival. Although Jacob succeeds in his endeavors with both his perseverance and passion, wooing Rachel with his passion gives him a lifelong companion and friend, the most important thing in a lifetime.====
Rachel:
Despite Rachel’s reluctant nature at first appearance, she takes a possessive
However, years later when Jacob is rightfully her husband, a new personality replaces reluctance. Leah, so desperate to spend time with Jacob, who is also her husband, agrees when Rachel presents a trade saying that “‘[Jacob] may lie with you tonight for you son’s mandrakes’” (Gen. 30.15). The redactor’s use of the modal auxiliary “may” suggests Rachel’s possession of Jacob, as she gives Leah formal permission to lie with him, although both women are his wives. The greater amount of love Jacob has for Rachel plays a factor in this, as well as her possessive personality to keep Jacob for herself because of her love for him. Do not let first appearances deceive; one must actually open the book to discover what lies inside.
Artistry
The Meeting of Jacob and Rachel was painted using a medium of oil on canvas. Dyce finished this painting in 1853, about ten years before his death. The subject of the painting and emotions of the characters, are depicted clearly; Jacob and Rachel have just met at the well, and obvious chemistry exists between them. Unfortunately, William Dyce died February 14, 1864 (Valentine’s Day).
More information on William Dyce: http://www.all-art.org/neoclasscism/dyce1.html
Reflection
Staying consistent with other projects assigned throughout the year, my weaknesses in this project consist of mainly writing skills. Although I have managed to display improvement in my writing abilities, a year in English I has passed and my close analysis skills are still not at the level I truly desire. However, the project also contains some aspects that I am proud of. For the first time ever of writing dialogue, I think I produced a decent piece. Personality traits could be detected, and even though plot was not clear at first, I fixed it up and can now express satisfaction with the results. My main obstacle, recording the dialogue, stood in my way mainly because I procrastinated extensively and almost could not find a partner. Thankfully, my mom generously donated her voice to my cause, and smooth sailing ensued from there. Through this experience, I unfortunately learned that procrastination does not assist in either quality or productivity of the project, but I did learn that if I put my mind to it and set a certain goal, I would always succeed. This mantra has been my mentality throughout this project; although extremely enjoyable and contrasting from other assignments this year in English class, after a while it just seemed to trudge on. However, I am overall proud of my work on this project and I hope the effort shows. :)
Citation
Crumb, R., and R Crumb. "R. Crumb on Genesis." Cartoon. New York Times 2010. <http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2009/10/16/arts/30715765.JPG>.Dyce, William. The Meeting of Jacob and Rachel. 1853. Oil on Canvas. <http://www.womeninthebible.net/141377The-Meeting-of-Jacob-and-Rachel-1853-Posters.jpg>.
Jacob and Rachel. N.d. Oil on canvas. <http://afeatheradrift.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/jacob_rachel_.jpg>.
Von Carolsfeld, Julius Schnorr. Jacob and Rachel. 1885. woodcut. <http://www.pitts.emory.edu/woodcuts/1853BiblD/00011380.jpg>.